can understand that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can understand that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the ability to comprehend or grasp a particular idea or situation. Example: "I can understand that you are feeling overwhelmed with your workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who can understand that?

The New York Times

"Anyone can understand that".

The New York Times

"I can understand that approach.

The New York Times

I can understand that impulse.

The New Yorker

I can understand that, for now.

The New York Times

I can understand that, I can understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

Any child can understand that".

The Guardian

Perhaps I can understand that".

The Guardian - Film

Increasingly, many Armenians can understand that concern.

The Guardian

"Women can understand that pretty well.

The New York Times - Tech

"I can understand that," Mr. Doherty said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can understand that" to express empathy and acknowledge someone else's perspective, especially in situations where you might not entirely agree but still recognize their feelings or reasoning.

Common error

While versatile, "can understand that" might sound too informal in highly professional or academic contexts. Opt for alternatives like "I appreciate that" or "I comprehend that" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can understand that" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's ability to comprehend a particular situation, feeling, or idea. This usage aligns with Ludwig's analysis, demonstrating the phrase's role in conveying understanding and empathy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can understand that" is a versatile phrase used to express comprehension and often empathy. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for many situations, remember to consider formality when writing professionally or academically, opting for alternatives when needed. The phrase's primary function is to acknowledge and validate the speaker's perspective, fostering rapport and understanding. There are lots of related phrases like "can appreciate that", "can comprehend that" or "that's understandable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I can appreciate that

Uses 'appreciate' instead of 'understand', implying a deeper level of empathy or recognition of value.

I comprehend that

Replaces 'understand' with 'comprehend', suggesting a more complete or thorough grasp of the situation.

I grasp that

Substitutes 'understand' with 'grasp', indicating a firm hold on the concept or idea.

I follow that

Uses 'follow' to mean understand a line of reasoning or explanation.

That's understandable

Shifts the perspective to describe the situation as inherently easy to understand.

I see your point

Indicates understanding of someone's perspective or argument.

I take your point

A variation of 'I see your point', conveying a similar meaning of acknowledging and understanding a viewpoint.

I recognize that

Emphasizes acknowledgment of a fact or situation, rather than necessarily understanding it deeply.

I realize that

Highlights the moment of becoming aware of something, implying a shift in understanding.

It makes sense to me

Expresses personal understanding and logical consistency.

FAQs

How can I use "can understand that" in a sentence?

You can use "can understand that" to express comprehension or empathy. For example, "I "can understand that" you're frustrated with the delay".

What are some alternatives to saying "can understand that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "can appreciate that", "can comprehend that", or "that's understandable".

Is there a difference between "can understand that" and "can appreciate that"?

"Can understand that" generally implies comprehension, while "can appreciate that" suggests a deeper level of empathy or recognition of the value or importance of something.

When is it more appropriate to use "that's understandable" instead of "can understand that"?

"Can understand that" is typically used in the first person (I), expressing your personal understanding. "That's understandable" is a more general statement, describing a situation or feeling as inherently easy to understand.